Hundreds of students and local residents recently crowded The Fat Cat, a bar in downtown Hattiesburg to show their support for local bands and for Palestine at the Hattiesburg World Benefit Concert. Residents were encouraged to come out and show their support, dance, and have fun together with the rest of the community. The event was organized by Deedee, a member of the band MSPAINT, performing in collaboration with over a dozen other original artists from around the city.
“I have a lot of respect and admiration for everyone in our scene, so putting together a benefit for Palestine with all the local talent we have made me excited,” said Deedee. “I couldn’t have been more proud of the entire scene coming together to make the night as special as it could be.”
The funds raised during those three days totaled up to $5,200 and were donated to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), an organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian children. The organization was founded in 1991 and has helped tens of thousands of kids since its establishment. The PCRF is currently working to establish two pediatric cancer departments in Palestine, a pediatric cardiology department, as well as many other projects to improve children’s healthcare in the region.
During all three days of the concert, the Pine Belt for Palestine organization was also present and running their own table in hopes of educating concert attendees and building community. A newly founded campus organization, USM for Palestine, was also present at the concert. The table was staffed with members of both organizations who were talking to concert-goers, as well as handing out hand-made zines with photos and information about the ongoing hardships that Palestinians are facing today.
Theo Sutton, a member of Pine Belt for Palestine, gave a speech on stage during the concert Saturday night about his hopes for the future of the community and for Palestine.
“We want to turn observers into actors,” he stated. “What I would like to see for Pine Belt for Palestine’s future is growth and community, trust and love… and for us to get to the point to where we’re inspiring change.”
Sutton also expressed hope that those who attended the concert would be inspired to take action on their own, and that he wants people to look through a lens of connectivity.
Those who were unable to attend the concert, and want to get involved, can find Pine Belt for Palestine’s Instagram @pinebelt4p. Anyone who would like to support the cause can do so through the PCRF website, where they accept donations and volunteer applications.